Should you avoid procrastination? Students are constantly warned that they must overcome procrastination, and that procrastination is the opposite of effective time management and effective study skills. This is largely true, and time management is crucial for student success. However, in moderation, procrastination can improve your ability to study effectively! Have you ever tried to study for hours and hours without a study break? It's maddening. When you stare at the computer screen or your textbook for hours, your body hurts and you're completely miserable and stressed out. In this state, how can you expect to study effectively?
What you need is a study break! There's a big difference between unhealthy procrastination (wasting time in a random, unplanned fashion) and healthy procrastination (taking scheduled study breaks to relieve your sanity). Healthy procrastination should be a part of your time management strategy. When you schedule your study time, plan to take 10-30 minute study breaks periodically, and do something during these study breaks that rejuvenates you. if possible, work in a short study break every hour. And in between study sessions, block out a couple of hours of time to relax and forget about your workload for awhile.
What should you do on your study break? Anything that relaxes you and lets you work some of the stress out of your system! Here are a few suggestions for both long and short study breaks.
- Take a brisk walk or jog. Physically and psychologically, this is an ideal way to relieve stress, even for a short period of time. Make yourself an energizing "study break mix" on your iPod of MP3 player to energize you during these walks. Read my students' suggestions for study break music.
- Watch mindless television. Television, of course, can be a procrastination black hole. But in moderation, it's a great way to relax and let your brain take a break. Relax your brain as much as possible and find the most mind-numbing programs out there. Think television of the "it's so bad it's good" variety. Here's some suggestions for mindless study break television.
- Read a novel. Students tend to get really sick of books and avoid reading for fun. This is too bad, because reading a novel is a great way to escape your stress and relax. Find a good novel and keep it on your dresser, and read a few chapters when you need a break. Look for study break novels that are engrossing and intelligent, but not too dense.
- Watch a funny movie. When you have a busy study schedule, be sure to schedule in an hour or two of time for a longer break. A movie is the perfect way to go. Comedies are relaxing and fun, so choose some of your old favorites. Here are some funny movie study break suggestions.
- Have a study snack. Skipping meals when you're studying will make you grumpy and definitely won't help you study effectively. Make sure you get some nutrition in, as well as some good old fashioned comfort food snacks, especially during exam week.
